A Month’s Worth of Living in July

Although hot as hell, did more than my share of living in July.  Emi and I took a road trip.  A dear friend lost her sister and I went to celebrate her homegoing in DC.  Journeyed down that path of long good-bye with my sister in New York; it was a good visit.  Basked in glorious, inspiring fiber artistry in Baltimore.  Spent quiet time with family and a few friends.  Recognized that driving straight is no longer my cup of tea. Split the drive in half with overnight stops in Knoxville, going and returning home.  Enjoyed my little slice of Mississippi ecosystem, but always mindful that it’s shared with others.  Appreciated a neighbor who watered my garden while I was away, even while grieving the loss of his brother.  Completed an art quilt commission that I’ll share at another time.  For now, some of the month’s days are captured.

Garden Life

In many ways growing some of your own food teaches you to let go of ego, but it’s so damn difficult at times.  Yesterday morning to my utter disappointment, a night critter had gotten my biggest cantaloupe this season plus another.  They had been growing so nicely and I was looking forward to its succulent harvest. And what makes it hard, the night critter devours half and leaves the remaining half with scattered flesh and seeds to mock your growing prowess.  Earlier in the month I’d netted the melon patch to no avail. Took the netting off hoping for the best. Chalk it all down to living and sharing space in an ecosystem that doesn’t really belong to you.  Honor that, inhale, exhale, let it go, be grateful for another month’s worth of living.

July 1

July 2-3

July 4-6

July 15-16

July 18-20

July 22

July 24

July 26

It's been bone dry, so much so the ground has cracks throughout. Starting this past Monday it's rained every day, at times a lot. Just went out to check on garden after not doing so in a couple of days. In my gut, I knew what to expect but I still want to cry. The greedy, pesky night critter that I think is a racoon devoured the latest cantaloupe!! I give up and I think the patch has done so as well because there were no other baby melons to be found. While I mourn the devastation of the cantaloupe patch, I'm grateful for today's small bounty. And in a couple of days, there'll be lots of eggplants to harvest.

Joyce J. Scott’s Exhibit at Baltimore Museum of Art

Black Woman Genius Exhibit at Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture

Signing off grateful, mindful and hopeful for the days to come.